What if your biggest fear became your greatest adventure?
Please note, this book is currently only available in the original language, German. In “Boris, Babette and Lots of Skeletons”, German author-illustrator Tanja Esch introduces us to Boris, a young boy understandably anxious about his new home, which happens to be right next to a cemetery. This delightful story, perfect for early to middle elementary readers, follows Boris as his world is turned upside down by Babette, a spirited girl who not only lives in the cemetery but is best friends with its bony inhabitants. What begins as a tale of terror quickly transforms into a heartwarming, humorous adventure as Boris discovers that the skeletons are more interested in parties and friendship than anything spooky. Esch’s vibrant illustrations and witty dialogue create a world that is immediately engaging and utterly charming.
This book is an exceptional resource for young readers who are curious about the world and their peers. It provides a safe, funny, and visually rich entry point for discussing how we often build up fears in our minds and how looking past appearances can lead to wonderful discoveries and connections, a vital perspective for students learning to navigate a diverse classroom.
Tanja Esch, an acclaimed author and illustrator from Hamburg, brings an authentic and playful European sensibility to her work, which was recognized when this book won the prestigious German Youth Literature Award in 2023. “Boris, Babette and Lots of Skeletons” teaches that empathy is the antidote to fear and that our differences are something to be celebrated, not feared. This is a book that will stay with young readers, encouraging them to approach the world not with apprehension, but with an open heart and a readiness for friendship.
